Applications and advances in using phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) as biomarkers in analysing soil microbial communities

Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis is a widely used biomarker-based method for assessing microbial community structure and soil health. This technique provides insights into microbial biomass, community composition, and physiological status by extracting and analyzing microbial lipids from soil samples. Phospholipid fatty acid analysis has been extensively applied in environmental and agricultural research for over 40 years, offering a rapid and sensitive approach to studying microbial responses to environmental changes, disturbances, and management practices. Advances in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and statistical tools have enhanced the method's robustness and reproducibility. Despite the increasing popularity of molecular techniques, PLFA remains valuable in soil health monitoring, especially in agricultural systems, where it can assess the impact of tillage, crop rotation, organic amendments, and chemical inputs. This chapter discusses the principles, applications, and recent advances in PLFA analysis, highlighting its continued relevance in monitoring and managing soil health.